A Mother’s Plea on TikTok
Erika Hernandez woke up a few days ago and decided to make an impromptu plea on TikTok.
“On May 12th, it would have been Jovan’s 20th birthday. My dream is to be able to take my son and all of my bonus children to Universal Studios to celebrate Jovan’s birthday,” she posted on her TikTok page @by.erikahernandez.
The Story Behind the Plea
The mother lost her son, Jovan, about a year and a half ago after he was shot and killed in a robbery. The 18-year-old had an obsession with Spider-Man, and Hernandez always had dreams to take him and his friends to Universal Studios.
"Jovan enjoyed amusement parks and Universal Studios holds a special place in our heart because of his love for Spider-Man,” she posted on TikTok.
The Viral Video
Taking 8 to 9 kids to an amusement park wasn’t financially feasible for her, so Hernandez thought to ask for help online. She hesitated at first because she didn’t want people to think she was asking for money, but after she shared her message on TikTok, it went viral with over 4 million views. Social media users and companies came out of the woodwork to help make her dream a reality.
“Something told me, which I now know was probably my son, what do you have to lose? With zero expectations, I got in front of the camera and I made the video. I posted it and the rest is history,” said Hernandez.
The Tragic Loss
This joy is a stark difference from that fateful day on September 1, 2023, when Jovan was shot near the 1300 block of Holly Heights Drive in Fort Lauderdale. Fort Lauderdale Police and Fort Lauderdale Fire Rescue then found him with gunshot wounds near Southeast 15th Avenue and Las Olas Boulevard.
Jovan was taken to the hospital, but he did not survive. Omari Brown was arrested and charged with murder and robbery with a firearm.
“To go to bed one night and have a loud pounding knock on your door at 3:13 in the morning to tell you that my son had been taken to the hospital is forever life changing,” said Hernandez.
Finding Solace in TikTok
TikTok has become one of the many therapeutic outlets to help her grieve the loss of her child.
“Sharing my journey online and using TikTok as my journal has definitely helped me a lot because I was able to see that I wasn’t the only one,” said Hernandez.
A New Family
Since Jovan’s passing, his five friends have been Hernandez’s support system, and they even come over to her house for Sunday dinner. Now thanks to her viral video, she will finally get her wish to show her gratitude to this close knit group who she calls her “chosen kids.”
“We’ll be heading out to Universal Studios to celebrate what would have been Jovan’s 20th birthday. This trip is also my way of thanking the boys for being so absolutely amazing the last year and a half,” said Hernandez.
The Dream Comes True
Thanks to the online community, Hernandez will be heading up to Universal Studios on May 10-13.
Conclusion
Hernandez’s story is a testament to the power of social media and the kindness of strangers. Through her viral TikTok video, she was able to find a way to celebrate her son’s birthday and show her gratitude to those who have supported her through a difficult time.
FAQs
Q: What was the reason behind Erika Hernandez’s viral TikTok video?
A: Hernandez created a video to ask for help in taking her son’s friends to Universal Studios to celebrate what would have been her son’s 20th birthday.
Q: How did Hernandez’s son, Jovan, pass away?
A: Jovan was shot and killed in a robbery on September 1, 2023.
Q: What has been Hernandez’s support system since Jovan’s passing?
A: Jovan’s five friends have been Hernandez’s support system, and they even come over to her house for Sunday dinner.
Q: When will Hernandez be going to Universal Studios?
A: Thanks to the online community, Hernandez will be heading up to Universal Studios on May 10-13.
